Thread: Lymphoma

I just found out last night that my Dad has lymphoma. Dad has always been one to talk down illnesses as if they are just your common cold. So I really don't know how server or serious this is. He just keeps saying oh no it's nothing but he is having treatments soon although we won't tell me exactly what they will be doing. And having some lumps removed from his neck. He told me he has it because he was using ointments for over 35 years because he had really bad skin, he said they were full of steroids and it's just the price he has to pay for being able to live some what normally all these years.

Does anyone know about lymphoma? Or has had it before that could give me advice on what to expect, cure rates ect? Because I won't be getting many answers from him.

I have known people who had lymphoma. Some of them lived for many years with it, others weren't as lucky and had it spread quickly into other areas of the body. With the right treatment, I have known people to live for many years quite normally. Perhaps your dads case will be one of those. Regardless, I know this is a very tough time for you. Sounds like he doesn't want you to worry about him. Cancer is an ugly disease no matter how you look at it. Perhaps he doesn't really know what his prognosis is at this point and just wants to make sure that you don't spend the remaining years of his life worrying and sad. I'm sure he will be having chemotherapy for starters, which means he may get very sick after treatments. If he lives alone, you may want to make sure you "drop in" on those days and stay with him as much as you can. Maybe over time you can show him that you will be strong for him and be by his side without grieving yourself to death over it. I'm sure that's the last thing he wants.